The profit of religion - Atheist Nexus2016-12-09T14:33:08Zhttp://atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/the-profit-of-religion?commentId=2182797%3AComment%3A2228535&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noA friend of mine says that al…tag:atheistnexus.org,2013-05-07:2182797:Comment:22287202013-05-07T14:11:00.139ZMichael Pennhttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/DennisMichaelPennington
<p>A friend of mine says that all religions have one thing in common in their services, and that is when they pass the collection plate.</p>
<p>A friend of mine says that all religions have one thing in common in their services, and that is when they pass the collection plate.</p> Brandi, the real shame is tha…tag:atheistnexus.org,2013-05-07:2182797:Comment:22285672013-05-07T13:43:21.806ZLoren Millerhttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/LorenMiller
<p>Brandi, the real shame is that, more than likely, a great number of those televised bible-thumpers won't reap what they sow. It's possible that they MIGHT, presuming that their flock come to their senses and call Robertson and Hagee and Hinn and the others on their bullshit, but I'm frankly dubious that will happen. Their followers drink the Kool-Aid by the gallon and savor every drop. Their addicted to the opiate of religion, and I doubt they could bear the pain of cold-turkey withdrawal…</p>
<p>Brandi, the real shame is that, more than likely, a great number of those televised bible-thumpers won't reap what they sow. It's possible that they MIGHT, presuming that their flock come to their senses and call Robertson and Hagee and Hinn and the others on their bullshit, but I'm frankly dubious that will happen. Their followers drink the Kool-Aid by the gallon and savor every drop. Their addicted to the opiate of religion, and I doubt they could bear the pain of cold-turkey withdrawal or the thought of thinking for themselves. They can't hear us and don't want to see us, because we rattle the cage they've consigned themselves to too much. They are GONE.<br/><br/>The most we can hope for is that they and their generation will die out. Over time, the influence of their words and actions will be lost in favor of those who ARE willing to think for themselves, to take responsibility for themselves and for their own lives, and who have no use for dogma, artificial doctrine, or the myths and superstitions which have driven religion for millennia.<br/><br/>We're the tip of that spear, Brandi, the leading edge of the change from irrationality to reason. Some of them actually know that and resist, which is why this whole business is so painful. Still, it's worth it. I'm convinced it is.</p> No one in this world, so far…tag:atheistnexus.org,2013-05-07:2182797:Comment:22284122013-05-07T13:23:01.840ZPathttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/Pat46
<p><em>No one in this world, so far as I know—and I have researched the records for years, and employed agents to help me—has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. </em>H.L. Mencken</p>
<p><em>Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool. </em>Mark Twain</p>
<p><em>No one in this world, so far as I know—and I have researched the records for years, and employed agents to help me—has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. </em>H.L. Mencken</p>
<p><em>Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool. </em>Mark Twain</p> Before money, the vulnerable…tag:atheistnexus.org,2013-05-07:2182797:Comment:22285352013-05-07T12:46:13.517Ztom sarbeckhttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/TomSarbeck
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<p>Before money, the vulnerable gave the charlatans things (including food) and favors.</p>
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<p>When our ancestors were pond scum, the big survived by eating the small and weak. Most non-human carnivores still survive this way.</p>
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<p>Which inspires this question: when did exchange replace robbery?</p>
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<p>Here's what explains the behavior for me: <em>They who carve the buddha do not worship the buddha.</em></p>
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<p>Welcome, Alan; I sometimes think…</p>
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<p>Before money, the vulnerable gave the charlatans things (including food) and favors.</p>
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<p>When our ancestors were pond scum, the big survived by eating the small and weak. Most non-human carnivores still survive this way.</p>
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<p>Which inspires this question: when did exchange replace robbery?</p>
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<p>Here's what explains the behavior for me: <em>They who carve the buddha do not worship the buddha.</em></p>
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<p>Welcome, Alan; I sometimes think sociopathy rules.</p>
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